Poisoning the Press

The media battle between President Nixon and journalist Jack Anderson

The scandal culture of Washington politics did not start with President Nixon and newsman Jack Anderson media battle. However, their struggle for power forever changed how politicians and the media interact.

Both Richard Nixon and Jack Anderson were very religious men from volatile families. Both men also served in the military and were very ambitious. Mark Feldstein recounts their bitter confrontation that includes blackmail, bribery, and assassination plots in his book, Poisoning the Press.